Chief Secretary J&K inaugurates
Jammu Kashmir Agro & food Fest Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO)
organised “J&K Agro and Food Fest 2023” a Mega International Trade Fair cum
Exhibition at Bab Jitto Auditorium SKUAST Jammu in collaboration with Trade Promotion Council
of India (TPCI) to give boost to Trade and Commerce in UT
J&K showcased Agri and food processing
products in J&K Agro and Food Fest held at SKUAST Jammu
Jammu, August 27,
2023 – The Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), in
collaboration with the Trade promotion Council of India (TPCI) organised first
edition of J&K Agro and Food Fest 2023 at Jammu. The Buyer seller Meet was inaugurated
virtually by Chief Guest, Sh. Arun Kumar Mehta Chief Secretary UT of J&K.
The event was held in Baba Jitto Auditorium complex of Sher-e-Kashmir
University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu. Addressing on the
occasion Chief secretary of J&K stated that every product of J&K is
unique and based on the feedback of buyers, good packaging, marketing and e
commerce opportunities will make each district of J&K an Export hub. Speaking
on the occasion, Chief Secretary said that each district should have clear
export plan so that buyers from all over India gets benefitted. He also said
the Jammu & Kashmir is agriculture and tourism-based economy and state have
many advantages in agriculture production over the other parts of country. He further
added that in coming years J&K’s agriculture produce will becomes double
and will contribute to increase the share of SGDP of J&K.
At the onset, Sh.
Khalid Jahangir, the Managing Director of JKTPO, extended a warm welcome to the
Sh. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary J&K for addressing and give valuable
inputs to gathering. He also welcomed esteemed dignitaries, distinguished
buyers, sellers, and all participants gathered at the occasion. He
enthusiastically emphasised the efforts performed with the wise leadership of Chief
Secretary J&K and Commissioner Secretary I&C, Sh. Vikramjit Singh for
their guidance and support. He said JKTPO is mandated to organize buyer seller
meets for the promotion of unique and ODOP-DEH products of J&K. He added
that due to genuineness and originality of the
products of Jammu and Kashmir, it has attained excellent acceptance among
international buyers and traders. He emphasized that this International
Buyer Seller Meet stands as a pivotal initiative that aimed to increase trade
and exports while showcasing the region's excellent offerings made from local
agricultural and horticultural products.
Speaking at the
event, Shri Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner/Secretary, Industries & Commerce
Department, said that the genuine strength and potential of J&K's
agricultural products lies in their uniqueness, as many of our items are not
produced in other regions of J&K. Recognising the JKTPO's commitment, he
noted that fostering an environment for business that actively supports trade
and exports will help Jammu and Kashmir to flourish and prosper economically.
He stressed that J&K’s Agri and food products are unique and buyers from
abroad will guide us in realizing the needs of National & International
Market
He emphasised the
significance of such programmes in empowering local farmers, sellers, and
producers and enhancing Jammu and Kashmir's socioeconomic environment. He said
that this inaugural event is set to become the flagship event and is planned to
be held annually in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
J&K Agro and
food Fest 2023 was attended by 24+ buyers from countries like Canada, Kuwait, Oman,
UAE, Qatar, Bangladesh Ireland and Saudi Arabia. The event has also 50+ buyers
from various parts of India, whereas 80+ sellers from various districts of UT
participated and showcased their products from the Agro-food sector. This gave
sellers the chance to highlight their products and build relationships with new
clients/buyers.
Products from the
Jammu and Kashmir regions nominated as ODOP and GI tag designations were given
special consideration for promotion in the event.
Sh Sandip Das Deputy
Director General, TPCI, presented the vote of thanks and showcased an
unwavering appreciation for JKTPO's initiative, symbolizing the collaborative
spirit between organizations dedicated to elevating J&K’s products and
their producers into the global stage. Their collective participation
accentuated the event's commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and
cross-sector collaboration.
The exhibitors of event comprised of start-ups, FPOs, and
individual sellers with a wide range of products with special focus on Agri
based ODOP products from J&K. The products included Basmati, Honey, Red
chillies, saffron, Pecanuts, dry fruits, spices, kahwa, Spices, Anardana,
,Lemon Grass Oil, Apples, Dry Fruits Rajmah Amla and Mushroom etc and the event ensured great insight into the
demand and likeability of these products. It also encouraged the participating
exhibitors to further participate in such outreach exercise.
This event is an
opportunity to facilitate business-to-business (B2B) with domestic and
international buyers and business-to-consumer (B2C) interactions. It will offer
opportunities for networking, lead generation, and collaborations between
industry professionals. The event is expected to boost trade domestically and
internationally, thereby expanding economic prospects and strengthening trade
ties with other countries.
A distinguished
gathering of eminent personalities graced the occasion includes Divisional
commissioner Jammu, Sh Ramesh Kumar IAS, Director handloom and Handicraft Jammu
Sh Vikas Gupta, Director Industries and
Commerce Jammu Sh K S Chib , Registrar
SKUAST ,Dr S K Gupta, and agribusiness
students of SKUAST, Industrial
associations and officials from Industries and commerce , SIDCO SICOP and other
departments.
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